Semiconductor memory apparatus

ABSTRACT

A semiconductor memory apparatus includes a word line control circuit configured to enable and disable a word line, wherein the word line control circuit comprises a switch which couples and decouples the word line to and from at least one other word line.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) toKorean application number 10-2017-0176851, filed on Dec. 21, 2017, inthe Korean Intellectual Property Office, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

Various embodiments generally relate to a semiconductor integratedcircuit, and, more particularly, to a semiconductor memory apparatus.

2. Related Art

Semiconductor memory apparatuses are configured to receive and storedata and to output stored data.

A semiconductor memory apparatus may store data by charging ordischarging a capacitor and thereby perform a refresh operation.

A refresh operation, however, can consume an undesirably high amount ofpower.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an embodiment, a semiconductor memory apparatus mayinclude a word line control circuit configured to enable and disable aword line, wherein the word line control circuit includes a switch whichcouples and decouples the word line to and from at least one other wordline.

Also in accordance with an embodiment, a semiconductor memory apparatusmay include a word line control circuit configured to enable and disablea word line, wherein the word line control circuit includes a switchthat couples and decouples the word line and a capacitor.

Also in accordance with an embodiment, a semiconductor memory apparatusmay include a first driver configured to enable or disable a first wordline in response to a first word line enable signal. The semiconductormemory apparatus may additionally include a first switch configured tocouple and decouple the first word line and a second word line inresponse to a first voltage transfer signal. The semiconductor memoryapparatus may further include a first control signal generation circuitconfigured to generate the first voltage transfer signal in response toa refresh signal and the first word line enable signal.

Also in accordance with an embodiment, a semiconductor memory apparatusmay include a control signal generation circuit configured to generate aplurality of voltage transfer signals in response to a refresh signaland a word line enable signal. The semiconductor memory apparatus mayadditionally include a word line control circuit configured to enable ordisable a word line, couple the word line to a capacitor in response tothe plurality of voltage transfer signals, and decouple the word linefrom the capacitor in response to the plurality of voltage transfersignals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a configuration diagram illustrating a semiconductor memoryapparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present teachings.

FIG. 2 shows a configuration diagram and a timing diagram of the firstcontrol signal generation circuit of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a timing diagram for the semiconductor memory apparatus ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a configuration diagram illustrating a semiconductor memoryapparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present teachings.

FIG. 5 shows a configuration diagram and a timing diagram for the firstcontrol signal generation circuit of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 shows a timing diagram for the semiconductor memory apparatus ofFIG. 4.

FIG. 7 shows a configuration diagram illustrating a semiconductor memoryapparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present teachings.

FIG. 8 shows a configuration diagram and a timing diagram for the firstcontrol signal generation circuit of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 shows a timing diagram for the semiconductor memory apparatus ofFIG. 7.

FIG. 10 shows a configuration diagram illustrating a semiconductormemory apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the presentteachings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, a semiconductor memory apparatus will be described belowwith reference to the accompanying drawings through various examples ofembodiments. In accordance with some embodiments, a semiconductor memoryapparatus is capable of reducing its power consumption when performing arefresh operation.

By reducing the power consumption of a refresh operation, it is possibleto realize a semiconductor memory apparatus having greater powerefficiency.

FIG. 1 shows a semiconductor memory apparatus 150 in accordance with anembodiment. The semiconductor memory apparatus 150 may include first,second, and third word line control circuits 100, 200, and 300,respectively. The semiconductor memory apparatus 150 may also includefirst, second, and third control signal generation circuits 400, 500,and 600, respectively.

The semiconductor memory apparatus may additionally include a pluralityof memory cells which are coupled to a plurality of bit lines and aplurality of word lines. For example, FIG. 1 shows first to third bitlines BL<1:3> and first to third word lines WL<1:3>. Memory cells CELLare disposed and coupled where the first to third bit lines BL<1:3>intersect with the first to third word lines WL<1:3>. For an embodiment,each memory cell CELL may be constructed by one transistor and onecapacitor.

For some embodiments, semiconductor memory apparatus includes a set ofword lines and a set of capacitors. As used herein a set includes atleast one element. For example, a set of capacitors can include a singlecapacitor or include multiple capacitors.

The word “coupled,” as used herein for some embodiments, means that twocomponents are directly connected with one another. For example, a firstcomponent coupled to a second component means the first component iscontacting the second component. For other embodiments, coupledcomponents have one or more intervening components. For example, a firstcomponent is coupled to a second component when the first and secondcomponents are both in contact with a common third component even thoughthe first component is not directly contacting the second component.

The first word line control circuit 100 may enable the first word lineWL<1> by applying a driving voltage to the first word line WL<1> and maydisable the first word line WL<1> by discharging the first word lineWL<1>, depending on a first word line enable signal WL<1>_en. The firstword line control circuit 100 may be electrically coupled with aprevious word line control circuit (not shown) before the first wordline WL<1> is enabled, in response to a zeroth voltage transfer signalWL<0>_vt. The first word line control circuit 100 may be electricallycoupled with the second word line control circuit 200 before the firstword line WL<1> is disabled, in response to a first voltage transfersignal WL<1>_vt.

The first word line control circuit 100 may include first and secondswitches 101 and 103 and a first driver 102.

The first switch 101 may electrically couple or decouple the first wordline WL<1> and a previous word line control circuit (not shown) inresponse to the zeroth voltage transfer signal WL<0>_vt. For example,the first switch 101 electrically couples the first word line WL<1> andthe previous word line control circuit when the zeroth voltage transfersignal WL<0>_vt is enabled. The first switch 101 electrically decouplesthe first word line WL<1> and the previous word line control circuitwhen the zeroth voltage transfer signal WL<0>_vt is disabled. Theprevious word line control circuit enables and disables a previous wordline, which is also referred to herein as the zeroth word line.

The first driver 102 may enable or disable the first word line WL<1> inresponse to the first word line enable signal WL<1>_en. For example, thefirst driver 102 may enable the first word line WL<1> by applying adriving voltage to the first word line WL<1> when the first word lineenable signal WL<1>_en is enabled. The first driver 102 may disable thefirst word line WL<1> by coupling the first word line WL<1> and a groundterminal when the first word line enable signal WL<1>_en is disabled.

The second switch 103 may electrically couple or decouple the first wordline WL<1> and the second word line control circuit 200 in response tothe first voltage transfer signal WL<1>_vt. For example, the secondswitch 103 electrically couples the first word line WL<1> and the secondword line control circuit 200 when the first voltage transfer signalWL<1>_vt is enabled. The second switch 103 electrically decouples thefirst word line WL<1> and the second word line control circuit 200 whenthe first voltage transfer signal WL<1>_vt is disabled.

The second word line control circuit 200 may enable the second word lineWL<2> by applying a driving voltage to the second word line WL<2> andmay disable the second word line WL<2> by discharging the second wordline WL<2>, depending on a second word line enable signal WL<2>_en. Thesecond word line control circuit 200 may be electrically coupled withthe first word line control circuit 100 before the second word lineWL<2> is enabled, in response to the first voltage transfer signalWL<1>_vt. The second word line control circuit 200 may be electricallycoupled with the third word line control circuit 300 before the secondword line WL<2> is disabled, in response to a second voltage transfersignal WL<2>_vt.

The second word line control circuit 200 may include third and fourthswitches 201 and 203 and a second driver 202.

The third switch 201 may electrically couple or decouple the second wordline WL<2> and a previous word line control circuit (the first word linecontrol circuit 100) in response to the first voltage transfer signalWL<1>_vt. For example, the third switch 201 electrically couples thesecond word line WL<2> and the second switch 103 of the first word linecontrol circuit 100 when the first voltage transfer signal WL<1>_vt isenabled. The third switch 201 electrically decouples the second wordline WL<2> and the second switch 103 of the first word line controlcircuit 100 when the first voltage transfer signal WL<1>_vt is disabled.

The second driver 202 may enable or disable the second word line WL<2>in response to the second word line enable signal WL<2>_en. For example,the second driver 202 may enable the second word line WL<2> by applyinga driving voltage to the second word line WL<2> when the second wordline enable signal WL<2>_en is enabled. The second driver 202 maydisable the second word line WL<2> by coupling the second word lineWL<2> and a ground terminal when the second word line enable signalWL<2>_en is disabled.

The fourth switch 203 may electrically couple or decouple the secondword line WL<2> and the third word line control circuit 300 in responseto the second voltage transfer signal WL<2>_vt. For example, the fourthswitch 203 electrically couples the second word line WL<2> and the thirdword line control circuit 300 when the second voltage transfer signalWL<2>_vt is enabled. The fourth switch 203 electrically decouples thesecond word line WL<2> and the third word line control circuit 300 whenthe second voltage transfer signal WL<2>_vt is disabled.

The third word line control circuit 300 may enable the third word lineWL<3> by applying a driving voltage to the third word line WL<3> and maydisable the third word line WL<3> by discharging the third word lineWL<3>, depending on a third word line enable signal WL<3>_en. The thirdword line control circuit 300 may be electrically coupled with thesecond word line control circuit 200 before the third word line WL<3> isenabled, in response to the second voltage transfer signal WL<2>_vt. Thethird word line control circuit 300 may be electrically coupled with anext word line control circuit (not shown) before the third word lineWL<3> is disabled, in response to a third voltage transfer signalWL<3>_vt. For some embodiments, the third word line control circuit 300is associated with the third word line WL_<3>, the second word linecontrol circuit 200 is associated with the second word line WL_<2>, thefirst word line control circuit 100 is associated with the first wordline WL_<1>, and the previous word line control circuit is associatedwith the zeroth word line (not shown).

The third word line control circuit 300 may include fifth and sixthswitches 301 and 303 and a third driver 302.

The fifth switch 301 may electrically couple or decouple the third wordline WL<3> and a previous word line control circuit (the second wordline control circuit 200) in response to the second voltage transfersignal WL<2>_vt. For example, the fifth switch 301 electrically couplesthe third word line WL<3> and the fourth switch 203 of the second wordline control circuit 200 when the second voltage transfer signalWL<2>_vt is enabled. The fifth switch 301 electrically decouples thethird word line WL<3> and the fourth switch 203 of the second word linecontrol circuit 200 when the second voltage transfer signal WL<2>_vt isdisabled.

The third driver 302 may enable or disable the third word line WL<3> inresponse to the third word line enable signal WL<3>_en. For example, thethird driver 302 may enable the third word line WL<3> by applying adriving voltage to the third word line WL<3> when the third word lineenable signal WL<3>_en is enabled. The third driver 302 may disable thethird word line WL<3> by coupling the third word line WL<3> and a groundterminal when the third word line enable signal WL<3>_en is disabled.

The sixth switch 303 may electrically couple or decouple the third wordline WL<3> and the next word line control circuit in response to thethird voltage transfer signal WL<3>_vt. For example, the sixth switch303 electrically couples the third word line WL<3> and the next wordline control circuit when the third voltage transfer signal WL<3>_vt isenabled. The sixth switch 303 electrically decouples the third word lineWL<3> and the next word line control circuit when the third voltagetransfer signal WL<3>_vt is disabled.

The first control signal generation circuit 400 may generate the firstvoltage transfer signal WL<1>_vt in response to the first word lineenable signal WL<1>_en and a refresh signal Refresh. For example, thefirst control signal generation circuit 400 disables the first voltagetransfer signal WL<1>_vt regardless of the first word line enable signalWL<1>_en when the refresh signal Refresh is disabled. When the refreshsignal Refresh is enabled, the first control signal generation circuit400 enables the first voltage transfer signal WL<1>_vt before the firstword line enable signal WL<1>_en is disabled, and disables the firstvoltage transfer signal WL<1>_vt when the first word line enable signalWL<1>_en is disabled.

The second control signal generation circuit 500 may generate the secondvoltage transfer signal WL<2>_vt in response to the second word lineenable signal WL<2>_en and the refresh signal Refresh. For example, thesecond control signal generation circuit 500 disables the second voltagetransfer signal WL<2>_vt regardless of the second word line enablesignal WL<2>_en when the refresh signal Refresh is disabled. When therefresh signal Refresh is enabled, the second control signal generationcircuit 500 enables the second voltage transfer signal WL<2>_vt beforethe second word line enable signal WL<2>_en is disabled, and disablesthe second voltage transfer signal WL<2>_vt when the second word lineenable signal WL<2>_en is disabled.

The third control signal generation circuit 600 may generate the thirdvoltage transfer signal WL<3>_vt in response to the third word lineenable signal WL<3>_en and the refresh signal Refresh. For example, thethird control signal generation circuit 600 disables the third voltagetransfer signal WL<3>_vt regardless of the third word line enable signalWL<3>_en when the refresh signal Refresh is disabled. When the refreshsignal Refresh is enabled, the third control signal generation circuit600 enables the third voltage transfer signal WL<3>_vt before the thirdword line enable signal WL<3>_en is disabled, and disables the thirdvoltage transfer signal WL<3>_vt when the third word line enable signalWL<3>_en is disabled.

The respective first to third control signal generation circuits 400,500, and 600 disable the first to third voltage transfer signalsWL<1>_vt, WL<2>_vt, and WL<3>_vt when the refresh signal Refresh isdisabled. When the refresh signal Refresh is enabled, the respectivefirst to third control signal generation circuits 400, 500, and 600enable the voltage transfer signals WL<1>_vt, WL<2>_vt and WL<3>_vt inthe enable periods of the word line enable signals WL<1>_en, WL<2>_en,and WL<3>_en, and disable the voltage transfer signals WL<1>_vt,WL<2>_vt, and WL<3>_vt when the word line enable signals WL<1>_en,WL<2>_en, and WL<3>_en are disabled.

In an embodiment, the first to third control signal generation circuits400, 500, and 600 may have the same configuration except that signalsinputted thereto and outputted therefrom are different. Therefore, theconfiguration of the first control signal generation circuit 400 isdescribed, and descriptions for the configurations of the remainingcontrol signal generation circuits 500 and 600 are omitted.

FIG. 2 shows the first control signal generation circuit 400 of thesemiconductor memory device 150 of FIG. 1. The first control signalgeneration circuit 400 may include a delay circuit 401, a NAND gate ND,and an inverter IV. The delay circuit 401 receives the first word lineenable signal WL<1>_en and outputs a delayed signal D_s. The NAND gateND receives the delayed signal D_s, the first word line enable signalWL<1>_en, and the refresh signal Refresh. The inverter IV receives andinverts an output signal of the NAND gate ND and outputs the firstvoltage transfer signal WL<1>_vt.

The operation of the first control signal generation circuit 400configured as indicated above is described below with reference to FIG.2.

When the refresh signal Refresh is enabled, the first word line enablesignal WL<1>_en is delayed through the delay circuit 401 and isoutputted as the delayed signal D_s. Through the NAND gate ND and theinverter IV, a period in which the enable periods (high level periods)of the first word line enable signal WL<1>_en and the delayed signal D_soverlap with each other is outputted as the enable period of the firstvoltage transfer signal WL<1>_vt. The first voltage transfer signalWL<1>_vt is enabled at a time earlier than the disable time of the firstword line enable signal WL<1>_en, and is disabled when the first wordline enable signal WL<1>_en is disabled.

As indicated above, the second and third control signal generationcircuits 500 and 600 may be configured in the same manner as the firstcontrol signal generation circuit 400. Thus, in the case where therefresh signal Refresh is enabled, the timing diagram of the first tothird control signal generation circuits 400, 500, and 600 may beillustrated as in FIG. 3.

In a refresh operation, that is, when the refresh signal Refresh isenabled, the first to third word line enable signals WL<1>_en, WL<2>_en,and WL<3>_en are sequentially enabled, as shown in FIG. 3. For example,if the first word line enable signal WL<1>_en is disabled, then thesecond word line enable signal WL<2>_en is enabled. If the second wordline enable signal WL<2>_en is disabled, then the third word line enablesignal WL<3>_en is enabled. The first voltage transfer signal WL<1>_vtis enabled before the first word line enable signal WL<1>_en isdisabled, and is disabled when the first word line enable signalWL<1>_en is disabled. The second voltage transfer signal WL<2>_vt isenabled before the second word line enable signal WL<2>_en is disabled,and is disabled when the second word line enable signal WL<2>_en isdisabled. The third voltage transfer signal WL<3>_vt is enabled beforethe third word line enable signal WL<3>_en is disabled, and is disabledwhen the third word line enable signal WL<3>_en is disabled.

The operation of the semiconductor memory apparatus 150 in accordancewith an embodiment is described below with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3.

An operation which is not a refresh operation, that is, where therefresh signal Refresh is disabled, is described first.

If the refresh signal Refresh is disabled, then the first to thirdcontrol signal generation circuits 400, 500, and 600 disable the firstto third voltage transfer signals WL<1>_vt, WL<2>_vt, and WL<3>_vtregardless of the first to third word line enable signals WL<1>_en,WL<2>_en, and WL<3>_en.

The second to sixth switches 103, 201, 203, 301, and 303 responding tothe first to third voltage transfer signals WL<1>_v WL<2>_vt, andWL<3>_vt are all turned off (open). That is to say, the second and thirdswitches 103 and 201 electrically decouple the first word line controlcircuit 100 and the second word line control circuit 200. The fourth andfifth switches 203 and 301 electrically decouple the second word linecontrol circuit 200 and the third word line control circuit 300.

If the refresh signal Refresh is disabled, then the first to third wordline control circuits 100, 200, and 300 shown in FIG. 1 are electricallydecoupled from one another.

In other words, the semiconductor memory apparatus 150 operates suchthat, when it is not a refresh operation, all word line control circuitsare electrically decoupled and only the drivers included in the wordline control circuits enable or disable word lines.

A refresh operation, that is, the case where the refresh signal Refreshis enabled, is next described.

If the refresh signal Refresh is enabled, then the first to thirdcontrol signal generation circuits 400, 500, and 600 generate the firstto third voltage transfer signals WL<1>_vt, WL<2>_vt, and WL<3>_vt inresponse to the first to third word line enable signals WL<1>_en,WL<2>_en, and WL<3>_en, respectively. As shown in FIG. 3, the respectivefirst to third voltage transfer signals WL<1>_vt, WL<2>_vt, and WL<3>_vtare enabled before the respective first to third word line enablesignals WL<1>_en, WL<2>_en, and WL<3>_en are disabled. Also, therespective first to third voltage transfer signals WL<1>_vt, WL<2>_vt,and WL<3>_vt are disabled when the respective first to third word lineenable signals WL<1>_en, WL<2>_en, and WL<3>_en are disabled.

The operation of the semiconductor memory apparatus 150 is describedbelow with reference to FIG. 1.

In a refresh operation, as shown in FIG. 3, the first to third word lineenable signals WL<1>_en, WL<2>_en, and WL<3>_en are sequentiallyenabled.

If the first word line enable signal WL<1>_en is enabled, then the firstdriver 102 enables the first word line WL<1> by applying a drivingvoltage to the first word line WL<1>. The first voltage transfer signalWL<1>_vt is enabled before the first word line enable signal WL<1>_en isdisabled.

If the first voltage transfer signal WL<1>_vt is enabled, then thesecond and third switches 103 and 201 are turned on, and the first wordline WL<1> and the second word line WL<2> are electrically coupled. Thecharges of the first word line WL<1>, which is enabled to the level ofthe driving voltage, are transferred to the second word line WL<2>.

If the first word line enable signal WL<1>_en is disabled, then thefirst voltage transfer signal WL<1>_vt is disabled, and the first andsecond word lines WL<1> and WL<2> are electrically decoupled. If thefirst word line enable signal WL<1>_en is disabled, then the first wordline WL<1> is discharged and disabled.

When the first word line enable signal WL<1>_en is disabled, then thesecond word line enable signal WL<2>_en is enabled.

If the second word line enable signal WL<2>_en is enabled, then thesecond driver 202 enables the second word line WL<2> by applying adriving voltage to the second word line WL<2>. At this time, the secondword line WL<2> is in a state in which charges enabling the first wordline WL<1> are transferred to the second word line WL<2> before thefirst word line WL<1> is discharged, that is, disabled. Therefore,current or power to be used for the second driver 202 to enable thesecond word line WL<2> is reduced.

The second voltage transfer signal WL<2>_vt is enabled before the secondword line enable signal WL<2>_en is disabled.

Namely, by the second voltage transfer signal WL<2>_vt, which is enabledbefore the second word line WL<2> is discharged, the fourth and fifthswitches 203 and 301 are turned on, and the second and third word linesWL<2> and WL<3> are electrically coupled. As the second and third wordlines WL<2> and WL<3> are electrically coupled before the second wordline WL<2> is discharged, charges enabling the second word line WL<2>are transferred to the third word line WL<3>.

If the second word line WL<2> is disabled, then the second voltagetransfer signal WL<2>_vt is disabled. If the second voltage transfersignal WL<2>_vt is disabled, then the fourth and fifth switches 203 and301 are turned off, and the second and third word lines WL<2> and WL<3>are electrically decoupled. Also, the second word line WL<2> isdischarged and disabled.

When the second word line enable signal WL<2>_en is disabled, then thethird word line enable signal WL<3>_en is enabled.

If the third word line enable signal WL<3>_en is enabled, then the thirddriver 302 enables the third word line WL<3> by applying a drivingvoltage to the third word line WL<3>. At this time, the third word lineWL<3> is in a state in which charges enabling the second word line WL<2>are transferred to the third word line WL<3> before the second word lineWL<2> is discharged, that is, disabled. Therefore, current or power tobe used for the third driver 302 to enable the third word line WL<3> isreduced.

In this way, during a refresh operation, charges having enabled aprevious word line are transferred to a next word line before theprevious word line is disabled. Thus, current or power that wouldotherwise be consumed to enable the next word line may be reduced.

As shown in FIG. 4, a semiconductor memory apparatus 450 in accordancewith another embodiment may include first to third word line controlcircuits 100, 200, and 300; first to third capacitors 400, 500, and 600;and first to third control signal generation circuits 700, 800, and 900.

The semiconductor memory apparatus 450 may include a plurality of memorycells which are coupled to a plurality of bit lines and a plurality ofword lines. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, memory cells CELL aredisposed and coupled where first to third bit lines BL<1:3> intersectwith first to third word lines WL<1:3>. For an embodiment, each memorycell CELL may include one transistor and one capacitor.

The first word line control circuit 100 may electrically couple ordecouple the first capacitor 400 and the first word line WL<1> beforethe first word line WL<1> is enabled, in response to a first voltagetransfer signal WL<1>_a. The first word line control circuit 100 mayenable the first word line WL<1> by applying a driving voltage to thefirst word line WL<1> and may disable the first word line WL<1> bydischarging the first word line WL<1>, depending on a second voltagetransfer signal WL<1>_b. The first word line control circuit 100 mayelectrically couple the second capacitor 500 and the first word lineWL<1> before the first word line WL<1> is disabled, in response to athird voltage transfer signal WL<1>_c.

The first capacitor 400 may be coupled between the first word linecontrol circuit 100 and a previous word line control circuit (notshown). The first capacitor 400 has one end to which a line coupled withthe first word line control circuit 100 and the previous word linecontrol circuit is coupled and the other end to which a ground terminalis coupled.

The first word line control circuit 100 may include first and secondswitches 101 and 103 and a first driver 102.

The first switch 101 may electrically couple or decouple the first wordline WL<1> and the previous word line control circuit in response to thefirst voltage transfer signal WL<1>_a. Also, the first switch 101 mayelectrically couple or decouple the first word line WL<1> and the firstcapacitor 400 in response to the first voltage transfer signal WL<1>_a.For example, the first switch 101 electrically couples the first wordline WL<1> and the first capacitor 400 when the first voltage transfersignal WL<1>_a is enabled. The first switch 101 electrically decouplesthe first word line WL<1> and the first capacitor 400 when the firstvoltage transfer signal WL<1>_a is disabled.

The first driver 102 may enable or disable the first word line WL<1> inresponse to the second voltage transfer signal WL<1>_b. For example, thefirst driver 102 may enable the first word line WL<1> by applying adriving voltage to the first word line WL<1> when the second voltagetransfer signal WL<1>_b is enabled. The first driver 102 may disable thefirst word line WL<1> by coupling the first word line WL<1> and a groundterminal when the second voltage transfer signal WL<1>_b is disabled.

The second switch 103 may electrically couple or decouple the first wordline WL<1> and the second capacitor 500 in response to the third voltagetransfer signal WL<1>_c. For example, the second switch 103 electricallycouples the first word line WL<1> and the second capacitor 500 when thethird voltage transfer signal WL<1>_c is enabled. The second switch 103electrically decouples the first word line WL<1> and the secondcapacitor 500 when the third voltage transfer signal WL<1>_c isdisabled.

The second word line control circuit 200 may electrically couple ordecouple the second capacitor 500 and the second word line WL<2> beforethe second word line WL<2> is enabled, in response to a fourth voltagetransfer signal WL<2>_a. The second word line control circuit 200 mayenable the second word line WL<2> by applying a driving voltage to thesecond word line WL<2> and may disable the second word line WL<2> bydischarging the second word line WL<2>, depending on a fifth voltagetransfer signal WL<2>_b. The second word line control circuit 200 mayelectrically couple the third capacitor 600 and the second word lineWL<2> before the second word line WL<2> is disabled, in response to asixth voltage transfer signal WL<2>_c.

The second capacitor 500 may be coupled between the second word linecontrol circuit 200 and a previous word line control circuit (the firstword line control circuit 100). The second capacitor 500 has one end towhich a line coupled with the first word line control circuit 100 andthe second word line control circuit 200 is coupled and the other end towhich a ground terminal is coupled.

The second word line control circuit 200 may include third and fourthswitches 201 and 203 and a second driver 202. The third switch 201 mayelectrically couple or decouple the second capacitor 500 with or fromthe second word line WL<2> in response to the fourth voltage transfersignal WL<2>_a. For example, the third switch 201 electrically couplesthe second word line WL<2> and the second capacitor 500 when the fourthvoltage transfer signal WL<2>_a is enabled. The third switch 201electrically decouples the second word line WL<2> and the secondcapacitor 500 when the fourth voltage transfer signal WL<2>_a isdisabled.

The second driver 202 may enable or disable the second word line WL<2>in response to the fifth voltage transfer signal WL<2>_b. For example,the second driver 202 may enable the second word line WL<2> by applyinga driving voltage to the second word line WL<2> when the fifth voltagetransfer signal WL<2>_b is enabled. The second driver 202 may disablethe second word line WL<2> by coupling the second word line WL<2> and aground terminal when the fifth voltage transfer signal WL<2>_b isdisabled.

The fourth switch 203 may electrically couple or decouple the secondword line WL<2> and the third capacitor 600 in response the sixthvoltage transfer signal WL<2>_c. For example, the fourth switch 203electrically couples the second word line WL<2> and the third capacitor600 when the sixth voltage transfer signal WL<2>_c is enabled. Thefourth switch 203 electrically decouples the second word line WL<2> andthe third capacitor 600 when the sixth voltage transfer signal WL<2>_cis disabled.

The third word line control circuit 300 may electrically couple ordecouple the third capacitor 600 and the third word line WL<3> beforethe third word line WL<3> is enabled, in response to a seventh voltagetransfer signal WL<3>_a. The third word line control circuit 300 mayenable the third word line WL<3> by applying a driving voltage to thethird word line WL<3> and may disable the third word line WL<3> bydischarging the third word line WL<3>, depending on an eighth voltagetransfer signal WL<3>_b. The third word line control circuit 300 mayelectrically couple a next capacitor (not shown) and the third word lineWL<3> before the third word line WL<3> is disabled, in response to aninth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_c.

The third capacitor 600 may be coupled between the third word linecontrol circuit 300 and a previous word line control circuit (the secondword line control circuit 200). The third capacitor 600 has one end towhich a line coupled with the second word line control circuit 200 andthe third word line control circuit 300 is coupled and the other end towhich a ground terminal is coupled.

The third word line control circuit 300 may include fifth and sixthswitches 301 and 303 and a third driver 302. The fifth switch 301 mayelectrically couple or decouple the third capacitor 600 with or from thethird word line WL<3> in response to the seventh voltage transfer signalWL<3>_a. For example, the fifth switch 301 electrically couples thethird word line WL<3> and the third capacitor 600 when the seventhvoltage transfer signal WL<3>_a is enabled. The fifth switch 301electrically decouples the third word line WL<3> and the third capacitor600 when the seventh voltage transfer signal WL<3>_a is disabled.

The third driver 302 may enable or disable the third word line WL<3> inresponse to the eighth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_b. For example, thethird driver 302 may enable the third word line WL<3> by applying adriving voltage to the third word line WL<3> when the eighth voltagetransfer signal WL<3>_b is enabled. The third driver 302 may disable thethird word line WL<3> by coupling the third word line WL<3> and a groundterminal when the eighth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_b is disabled.

The sixth switch 303 may electrically couple or decouple the third wordline WL<3> and the next capacitor in response to the ninth voltagetransfer signal WL<3>_c. For example, the sixth switch 303 electricallycouples the third word line WL<3> and the next capacitor when the ninthvoltage transfer signal WL<3>_c is enabled. The sixth switch 303electrically decouples the third word line WL<3> and the next capacitorwhen the ninth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_c is disabled.

The first control signal generation circuit 700 may generate the firstto third voltage transfer signals WL<1>_a, WL<1>_b, and WL<1>_c inresponse to a first word line enable signal WL<1>_en and a refreshsignal Refresh. For example, when the refresh signal Refresh isdisabled, the first control signal generation circuit 700 disables thefirst and third voltage transfer signals WL<1>_a and WL<1>_c, regardlessof the first word line enable signal WL<1>_en, and outputs the firstword line enable signal WL<1>_en as the second voltage transfer signalWL<1>_b. When the refresh signal Refresh and the first word line enablesignal WL<1>_en are enabled, the first control signal generation circuit700 enables the first voltage transfer signal WL<1>_a for apredetermined time, enables the second voltage transfer signal WL<1>_bwhen the first voltage transfer signal WL<1>_a is disabled, and enablesthe third voltage transfer signal WL<1>_c before the first word lineenable signal WL<1>_en is disabled. In the case where the refresh signalRefresh is enabled, if the first word line enable signal WL<1>_en isdisabled, the first control signal generation circuit 700 disables thesecond and third voltage transfer signals WL<1>_b and WL<1>_c.

The word “predetermined” as used herein with respect to a parameter,such as a predetermined time period, means that a value for theparameter is determined prior to the parameter being used in a processor algorithm. For some embodiments, the value for the parameter isdetermined before the process or algorithm begins. In other embodiments,the value for the parameter is determined during the process oralgorithm but before the parameter is used in the process or algorithm.

The second control signal generation circuit 800 may generate the fourthto sixth voltage transfer signals WL<2>_a, WL<2>_b and WL<2>_c inresponse to a second word line enable signal WL<2>_en and the refreshsignal Refresh. For example, when the refresh signal Refresh isdisabled, the second control signal generation circuit 800 disables thefourth and sixth voltage transfer signals WL<2>_a and WL<2>_c,regardless of the second word line enable signal WL<2>_en, and outputsthe second word line enable signal WL<2>_en as the fifth voltagetransfer signal WL<2>_b. If the refresh signal Refresh is enabled, thenthe second control signal generation circuit 800 generates the fourth tosixth voltage transfer signals WL<2>_a, WL<2>_b, and WL<2>_c in responseto the second word line enable signal WL<2>_en. For example, when thesecond word line enable signal WL<2>_en is enabled, the second controlsignal generation circuit 800 enables the fourth voltage transfer signalWL<2>_a, enables the fifth voltage transfer signal WL<2>_b when thefourth voltage transfer signal WL<2>_a is disabled, and enables thesixth voltage transfer signal WL<2>_c before the second word line enablesignal WL<2>_en is disabled. In the case where the refresh signalRefresh is enabled, if the second word line enable signal WL<2>_en isdisabled, the second control signal generation circuit 800 disables thefifth and sixth voltage transfer signals WL<2>_b and WL<2>_c.

The third control signal generation circuit 900 may generate the seventhto ninth voltage transfer signals WL<3>_a, WL<3>_b, and WL<3>_c inresponse to a third word line enable signal WL<3>_en and the refreshsignal Refresh. For example, when the refresh signal Refresh isdisabled, the third control signal generation circuit 900 disables theseventh and ninth voltage transfer signals WL<3>_a and WL<3>_c,regardless of the third word line enable signal WL<3>_en, and outputsthe third word line enable signal WL<3>_en as the eighth voltagetransfer signal WL<3>_b. If the refresh signal Refresh is enabled, thenthe third control signal generation circuit 900 generates the seventh toninth voltage transfer signals WL<3>_a, WL<3>_b and WL<3>_c in responseto the third word line enable signal WL<3>_en. For example, when thethird word line enable signal WL<3>_en is enabled, the third controlsignal generation circuit 900 enables the seventh voltage transfersignal WL<3>_a, enables the eighth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_b whenthe seventh voltage transfer signal WL<3>_a is disabled, and enables theninth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_c before the third word line enablesignal WL<3>_en is disabled. In the case where the refresh signalRefresh is enabled, if the third word line enable signal WL<3>_en isdisabled, the third control signal generation circuit 900 disables theeighth and ninth voltage transfer signals WL<3>_b and WL<3>_c.

If the refresh signal Refresh is disabled, then the respective first tothird control signal generation circuits 700, 800, and 900 disable thefirst and third voltage transfer signals WL<1>_a and WL<1>_c, the fourthand sixth voltage transfer signals WL<2>_a and WL<2>_c, and the seventhand ninth voltage transfer signals WL<3>_a and WL<3>_c, and output thefirst to third word line enable signals WL<1>_en, WL<2>_en, and WL<3>_enas the second voltage transfer signal WL<1>_b, the fifth voltagetransfer signal WL<2>_b, and the eighth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_b,respectively. If the refresh signal Refresh is enabled, then therespective first to third control signal generation circuits 700, 800,and 900 generate the voltage transfer signals WL<1>_a, WL<1>_b, WL<1>_c,WL<2>_a, WL<2>_b, WL<2>_c, WL<3>_a, WL<3>_b, and WL<3>_c, which aresequentially enabled in the enable periods of the word line enablesignals WL<1>_en, WL<2>_en, and WL<3>_en.

For an embodiment, the first to third control signal generation circuits700, 800, and 900 have the same configuration except that signalsinputted thereto and outputted therefrom are different. Therefore, aconfiguration of the first control signal generation circuit 700 isdescribed, and descriptions for the configurations of the remainingcontrol signal generation circuits 800 and 900 are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 5, the first control signal generation circuit 700 mayinclude first and second delay circuits 701 and 702; first to third NANDgates ND1, ND2, and ND3; first to fourth inverters IV1, IV2, IV3, andIV4; and a multiplexer 703. The first delay circuit 701 delays the firstword line enable signal WL<1>_en and outputs a first signal A_s. Thesecond delay circuit 702 delays the first signal A_s and outputs asecond signal B_s. The first NAND gate ND1 receives the first word lineenable signal WL<1>_en, the second signal B_s, and the refresh signalRefresh. The first inverter IV1 receives the output signal of the firstNAND gate ND1 and outputs the third voltage transfer signal WL<1>_c. Thesecond inverter IV2 receives the first signal A_s. The second NAND gateND2 receives the first word line enable signal WL<1>_en, the outputsignal of the second inverter IV2, and the refresh signal Refresh. Thethird inverter IV3 receives the output signal of the second NAND gateND2 and outputs the first voltage transfer signal WL<1>_a. The thirdNAND gate ND3 receives the first signal A_s, the first word line enablesignal WL<1>_en, and the refresh signal Refresh. The fourth inverter IV4receives the output signal of the third NAND gate ND3. The multiplexer703 outputs one of the output signal of the fourth inverter IV4 and thefirst word line enable signal WL<1>_en as the second voltage transfersignal WL<1>_b, in response to the refresh signal Refresh. For example,the multiplexer 703 outputs the first word line enable signal WL<1>_enas the second voltage transfer signal WL<1>_b if the refresh signalRefresh is disabled. The multiplexer 703 outputs the output signal ofthe fourth inverter IV4 as the second voltage transfer signal WL<1>_b ifthe refresh signal Refresh is enabled.

The operation of the first control signal generation circuit 700configured as indicated above, in the case where the refresh signalRefresh is disabled, is described below.

In the case where the refresh signal Refresh is disabled, themultiplexer 703 outputs the first word line enable signal WL<1>_en asthe second voltage transfer signal WL<1>_b. In the case where therefresh signal Refresh is disabled, the first and third voltage transfersignals WL<1>_a and WL<1>_c are disabled regardless of the first wordline enable signal WL<1>_en.

The operation of the first control signal generation circuit 700 in thecase where the refresh signal Refresh is enabled is described below withreference to the timing diagram of FIG. 5.

The first delay circuit 701 delays the first word line enable signalWL<1>_en and outputs the first signal A_s. The second delay circuit 702delays the first signal A_s and outputs the second signal B_s. With therefresh signal Refresh enabled, the combination of the first NAND gateND1 and the first inverter IV1 outputs the third voltage transfer signalWL<1>_c of a high level in only a period in which both the second signalB_s and the first word line enable signal WL<1>_en are at high levels.With the refresh signal Refresh enabled, the combination of the secondNAND gate ND2 and the third inverter IV3 outputs the first voltagetransfer signal WL<1>_a of a high level in only a period in which thefirst signal A_s is at a low level and the first word line enable signalWL<1>_en is at the high level. With the refresh signal Refresh enabled,the combination of the third NAND gate ND3 and the fourth inverter IV4outputs the second voltage transfer signal WL<1>_b as a high levelsignal through the multiplexer 703 in a period in which both the firstsignal A_s and the first word line enable signal WL<1>_en are at highlevels.

Therefore, if the refresh signal Refresh is enabled, then the firstcontrol signal generation circuit 700 generates the first to thirdvoltage transfer signals WL<1>_a, WL<1>_b, and WL<1>_c, which aresequentially enabled in the enable period of the first word line enablesignal WL<1>_en. In detail, the first voltage transfer signal WL<1>_a isenabled when the first word line enable signal WL<1>_en is enabled, andhas an enable period of a length corresponding to the delay time of thefirst delay circuit 701. The second voltage transfer signal WL<1>_b isenabled when the first voltage transfer signal WL<1>_a is disabled, andis disabled when the first word line enable signal WL<1>_en is disabled.The third voltage transfer signal WL<1>_c is enabled before the firstword line enable signal WL<1>_en is disabled, and is disabled when thefirst word line enable signal WL<1>_en is disabled.

For an embodiment, the second and third control signal generationcircuits 800 and 900 are configured in the same manner as the firstcontrol signal generation circuit 700. Thus, the timing diagram of thefirst to third control signal generation circuits 700, 800, and 900 inthe case where the refresh signal Refresh is enabled is illustrated asin FIG. 6.

In a refresh operation, that is, when the refresh signal Refresh isenabled, the first to third word line enable signals WL<1>_en, WL<2>_en,and WL<3>_en are sequentially enabled. For example, if the first wordline enable signal WL<1>_en is disabled, then the second word lineenable signal WL<2>_en is enabled. If the second word line enable signalWL<2>_en is disabled, then the third word line enable signal WL<3>_en isenabled.

In the enable period of the first word line enable signal WL<1>_en, thefirst to third voltage transfer signals WL<1>_a, WL<1>_b, and WL<1>_care sequentially enabled. In detail, the first voltage transfer signalWL<1>_a is enabled when the first word line enable signal WL<1>_en isenabled. The second voltage transfer signal WL<1>_b is enabled when thefirst voltage transfer signal WL<1>_a is disabled. The third voltagetransfer signal WL<1>_c is enabled before the first word line enablesignal WL<1>_en is disabled. The second and third voltage transfersignals WL<1>_b and WL<1>_c are disabled when the first word line enablesignal WL<1>_en is disabled.

In the enable period of the second word line enable signal WL<2>_en, thefourth to sixth voltage transfer signals WL<2>_a, WL<2>_b, and WL<2>_care sequentially enabled. In detail, the fourth voltage transfer signalWL<2>_a is enabled when the second word line enable signal WL<2>_en isenabled. The fifth voltage transfer signal WL<2>_b is enabled when thefourth voltage transfer signal WL<2>_a is disabled. The sixth voltagetransfer signal WL<2>_c is enabled before the second word line enablesignal WL<2>_en is disabled. The fifth and sixth voltage transfersignals WL<2>_b and WL<2>_c are disabled when the second word lineenable signal WL<2>_en is disabled.

In the enable period of the third word line enable signal WL<3>_en, theseventh to ninth voltage transfer signals WL<3>_a, WL<3>_b, and WL<3>_care sequentially enabled. In detail, the seventh voltage transfer signalWL<3>_a is enabled when the third word line enable signal WL<3>_en isenabled. The eighth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_b is enabled when theseventh voltage transfer signal WL<3>_a is disabled. The ninth voltagetransfer signal WL<3>_c is enabled before the third word line enablesignal WL<3>_en is disabled. The eighth and ninth voltage transfersignals WL<3>_b and WL<3>_c are disabled when the third word line enablesignal WL<3>_en is disabled.

The operation of the semiconductor memory apparatus 450 in accordancewith an embodiment is described below with reference to FIGS. 4 and 6.

As shown in FIG. 6, in a refresh operation, that is, when the refreshsignal Refresh is enabled, the first to third word line enable signalsWL<1>_en, WL<2>_en, and WL<3>_en are sequentially enabled. Also, in therespective enable periods of the first to third word line enable signalsWL<1>_en, WL<2>_en, and WL<3>_en, the first to ninth voltage transfersignals WL<1>_a, WL<1>_c, WL<2>_a, WL<2>_b, WL<2>_c, WL<3>_a, WL<3>_b,and WL<3>_c are sequentially enabled.

During the enable period of the first voltage transfer signal WL<1>_a,the first word line WL<1> and the first capacitor 400 are electricallycoupled through the first switch 101. If the first word line WL<1> andthe first capacitor 400 are coupled, then the charges charged in thefirst capacitor 400 are transferred to the first word line WL<1>. Thefirst capacitor 400 is charged before a previous word line (not shown)is disabled.

If the second voltage transfer signal WL<1>_b is enabled, then the firstdriver 102 enables the first word line WL<1> by applying a drivingvoltage to the first word line WL<1>.

If the third voltage transfer signal WL<1>_c is enabled, then the firstword line WL<1> and the second capacitor 500 are coupled through thesecond switch 103. The second capacitor 500 which is coupled with theenabled first word line WL<1> is charged.

If the first word line enable signal WL<1>_en is disabled, then thesecond and third voltage transfer signals WL<1>_b and WL<1>_c aredisabled. If the second voltage transfer signal WL<1>_b is disabled,then the first word line WL<1> is discharged and disabled. If the thirdvoltage transfer signal WL<1>_c is disabled, then the first word lineWL<1> and the second capacitor 500 are electrically decoupled.

If the first word line enable signal WL<1>_en is disabled, then thesecond word line enable signal WL<2>_en is enabled.

If the second word line enable signal WL<2>_en is enabled, then thefourth voltage transfer signal WL<2>_a is enabled.

During a period in which the fourth voltage transfer signal WL<2>_a isenabled, the second word line WL<2> is electrically coupled with thesecond capacitor 500 through the third switch 201. The charges chargedin the second capacitor 500 are transferred to the second word lineWL<2>.

If the fourth voltage transfer signal WL<2>_a is disabled, then thesecond word line WL<2> and the second capacitor 500 are electricallydecoupled. If the fourth voltage transfer signal WL<2>_a is disabled,then the fifth voltage transfer signal WL<2>_b is enabled.

If the fifth voltage transfer signal WL<2>_b is enabled, then the secondword line WL<2> is applied with a driving voltage through the seconddriver 202 and is enabled.

The sixth voltage transfer signal WL<2>_c is enabled before the secondword line enable signal WL<2>_en is disabled. If the sixth voltagetransfer signal WL<2>_c is enabled, then the second word line WL<2> andthe third capacitor 600 are electrically coupled through the fourthswitch 203. If the second word line WL<2> and the third capacitor 600are coupled, then charges having enabled the second word line WL<2> aretransferred to the third capacitor 600, and thereby, the third capacitor600 is charged.

If the second word line enable signal WL<2>_en is disabled, then thefifth and sixth voltage transfer signals WL<2>_b and WL<2>_c aredisabled.

If the fifth voltage transfer signal WL<2>_b is disabled, then thesecond word line WL<2> is disabled. If the sixth voltage transfer signalWL<2>_c is disabled, then the second word line WL<2> and the thirdcapacitor 600 are electrically decoupled.

If the second word line enable signal WL<2>_en is disabled, then thethird word line enable signal WL<3>_en is enabled.

If the third word line enable signal WL<3>_en is enabled, then theseventh voltage transfer signal WL<3>_a is enabled. During a period inwhich the seventh voltage transfer signal WL<3>_a is enabled, the thirdword line WL<3> and the third capacitor 600 are coupled through thefifth switch 301. If the third word line WL<3> and the third capacitor600 are coupled, then the charges charged in the third capacitor 600 aretransferred to the third word line WL<3>.

If the seventh voltage transfer signal WL<3>_a is disabled, then theeighth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_b is enabled.

If the eighth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_b is enabled, then a drivingvoltage is applied to the third word line WL<3> through the third driver302, and the third word line WL<3> applied with the driving voltage isenabled.

The ninth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_c is enabled before the thirdword line enable signal WL<3>_en is disabled.

If the ninth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_c is enabled, then the thirdword line WL<3> and the next capacitor are coupled through the sixthswitch 303. As charges having enabled the third word line WL<3> aretransferred to the coupled capacitor, the capacitor is charged.

If the third word line enable signal WL<3>_en is disabled, then theeighth and ninth voltage transfer signals WL<3>_b and WL<3>_c aredisabled. If the eighth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_b is disabled,then the third word line WL<3> is discharged and disabled. If the ninthvoltage transfer signal WL<3>_c is disabled, then the third word lineWL<3> and the next capacitor are electrically decoupled.

In this way, in the semiconductor memory apparatus 450 in accordancewith an embodiment, in a refresh operation in which word lines aresequentially enabled, charges enabling a word line are transferred to acapacitor and charge the capacitor before the enabled word line isdisabled. Also, as the charges of the capacitor are transferred to aword line to be enabled, current or power otherwise consumed when theword line is enabled may be reduced.

As shown in FIG. 7, a semiconductor memory apparatus 750 in accordancewith another embodiment may include first to third word line controlcircuits 100, 200, and 300; a capacitor 400; and first to third controlsignal generation circuits 500, 600, and 700.

The semiconductor memory apparatus 750 may include a plurality of memorycells which are coupled to a plurality of bit lines and a plurality ofword lines. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, memory cells CELL aredisposed and coupled where first to third bit lines BL<1:3> intersectwith first to third word lines WL<1:3>. For an embodiment, each memorycell CELL may include one transistor and one capacitor.

The first word line control circuit 100 may electrically couple ordecouple the capacitor 400 and the first word line WL<1> in response toa first voltage transfer signal WL<1>_a. The first word line controlcircuit 100 may enable the first word line WL<1> by applying a drivingvoltage to the first word line WL<1> and may disable the first word lineWL<1> by discharging the first word line WL<1>, depending on a secondvoltage transfer signal WL<1>_b.

The capacitor 400 may be coupled in common with the first to third wordline control circuits 100, 200, and 300. The capacitor 400 has one endcoupled in common with the first to third word line control circuits100, 200, and 300. The other end of the capacitor 400 is coupled to aground terminal.

The first word line control circuit 100 may include a first switch 101and a first driver 102.

The first switch 101 may electrically couple or decouple the first wordline WL<1> and the capacitor 400 in response to the first voltagetransfer signal WL<1>_a. For example, the first switch 101 electricallycouples the first word line WL<1> and the capacitor 400 when the firstvoltage transfer signal WL<1>_a is enabled. The first switch 101electrically decouples the first word line WL<1> and the capacitor 400when the first voltage transfer signal WL<1>_a is disabled.

The first driver 102 may enable or disable the first word line WL<1> inresponse to the second voltage transfer signal WL<1>_b. For example, thefirst driver 102 may enable the first word line WL<1> by applying adriving voltage to the first word line WL<1> when the second voltagetransfer signal WL<1>_b is enabled. The first driver 102 may disable thefirst word line WL<1> by coupling the first word line WL<1> and a groundterminal when the second voltage transfer signal WL<1>_b is disabled.

The second word line control circuit 200 may electrically couple ordecouple the capacitor 400 and the second word line WL<2> in response toa third voltage transfer signal WL<2>_a. The second word line controlcircuit 200 may enable the second word line WL<2> by applying a drivingvoltage to the second word line WL<2> and may disable the second wordline WL<2> by discharging the second word line WL<2>, depending on afourth voltage transfer signal WL<2>_b.

The second word line control circuit 200 may include a second switch 201and a second driver 202. The second switch 201 may electrically coupleor decouple the capacitor 400 with or from the second word line WL<2> inresponse to the third voltage transfer signal WL<2>_a. For example, thesecond switch 201 electrically couples the second word line WL<2> andthe capacitor 400 when the third voltage transfer signal WL<2>_a isenabled. The second switch 201 electrically decouples the second wordline WL<2> and the capacitor 400 when the third voltage transfer signalWL<2>_a is disabled.

The second driver 202 may enable or disable the second word line WL<2>in response to the fourth voltage transfer signal WL<2>_b. For example,the second driver 202 may enable the second word line WL<2> by applyinga driving voltage to the second word line WL<2> when the fourth voltagetransfer signal WL<2>_b is enabled. The second driver 202 may disablethe second word line WL<2> by coupling the second word line WL<2> and aground terminal when the fourth voltage transfer signal WL<2>_b isdisabled.

The third word line control circuit 300 may electrically couple ordecouple the capacitor 400 and the third word line WL<3> in response toa fifth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_a. The third word line controlcircuit 300 may enable the third word line WL<3> by applying a drivingvoltage to the third word line WL<3> and may disable the third word lineWL<3> by discharging the third word line WL<3>, depending on a sixthvoltage transfer signal WL<3>_b.

The third word line control circuit 300 may include a third switch 301and a third driver 302. The third switch 301 may electrically couple ordecouple the capacitor 400 with or from the third word line WL<3> inresponse to the fifth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_a. For example, thethird switch 301 electrically couples the third word line WL<3> and thecapacitor 400 when the fifth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_a is enabled.The third switch 301 electrically decouples the third word line WL<3>and the capacitor 400 when the fifth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_a isdisabled.

The third driver 302 may enable or disable the third word line WL<3> inresponse to the sixth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_b. For example, thethird driver 302 may enable the third word line WL<3> by applying adriving voltage to the third word line WL<3> when the sixth voltagetransfer signal WL<3>_b is enabled. The third driver 302 may disable thethird word line WL<3> by coupling the third word line WL<3> and a groundterminal when the sixth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_b is disabled.

The first control signal generation circuit 500 may generate the firstand second voltage transfer signals WL<1>_a and WL<1>_b in response to afirst word line enable signal WL<1>_en and a refresh signal Refresh. Forexample, when the refresh signal Refresh is disabled, the first controlsignal generation circuit 500 disables the first voltage transfer signalWL<1>_a regardless of the first word line enable signal WL<1>_en andoutputs the first word line enable signal WL<1>_en as the second voltagetransfer signal WL<1>_b. When the refresh signal Refresh and the firstword line enable signal WL<1>_en are enabled, the first control signalgeneration circuit 500 enables the first voltage transfer signalWL<1>_a, enables the second voltage transfer signal WL<1>_b when thefirst voltage transfer signal WL<1>_a is disabled, and enables again thefirst voltage transfer signal WL<1>_a before the first word line enablesignal WL<1>_en is disabled. In the case where the refresh signalRefresh is enabled, if the first word line enable signal WL<1>_en isdisabled, the first control signal generation circuit 500 disables thefirst and second voltage transfer signals WL<1>_a and WL<1>_b.

The second control signal generation circuit 600 may generate the thirdand fourth voltage transfer signals WL<2>_a and WL<2>_b in response to asecond word line enable signal WL<2>_en and the refresh signal Refresh.For example, when the refresh signal Refresh is disabled, the secondcontrol signal generation circuit 600 disables the third voltagetransfer signal WL<2>_a regardless of the second word line enable signalWL<2>_en and outputs the second word line enable signal WL<2>_en as thefourth voltage transfer signal WL<2>_b. If the refresh signal Refresh isenabled, then the second control signal generation circuit 600 generatesthe third and fourth voltage transfer signals WL<2>_a and WL<2>_b inresponse to the second word line enable signal WL<2>_en. For example,when the second word line enable signal WL<2>_en is enabled, the secondcontrol signal generation circuit 600 enables the third voltage transfersignal WL<2>_a, enables the fourth voltage transfer signal WL<2>_b whenthe third voltage transfer signal WL<2>_a is disabled, and enables againthe third voltage transfer signal WL<2>_a before the second word lineenable signal WL<2>_en is disabled. In the case where the refresh signalRefresh is enabled, if the second word line enable signal WL<2>_en isdisabled, the second control signal generation circuit 600 disables thethird and fourth voltage transfer signals WL<2>_a and WL<2>_b.

The third control signal generation circuit 700 may generate the fifthand sixth voltage transfer signals WL<3>_a and WL<3>_b in response to athird word line enable signal WL<3>_en and the refresh signal Refresh.For example, when the refresh signal Refresh is disabled, the thirdcontrol signal generation circuit 700 disables the fifth voltagetransfer signal WL<3>_a regardless of the third word line enable signalWL<3>_en and outputs the third word line enable signal WL<3>_en as thesixth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_b. If the refresh signal Refresh isenabled, then the third control signal generation circuit 700 generatesthe fifth and sixth voltage transfer signals WL<3>_a and WL<3>_b inresponse to the third word line enable signal WL<3>_en. For example,when the third word line enable signal WL<3>_en is enabled, the thirdcontrol signal generation circuit 700 enables the fifth voltage transfersignal WL<3>_a, enables the sixth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_b whenthe fifth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_a is disabled, and enables againthe fifth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_a before the third word lineenable signal WL<3>_en is disabled. In the case where the refresh signalRefresh is enabled, if the third word line enable signal WL<3>_en isdisabled, the third control signal generation circuit 700 disables thefifth and sixth voltage transfer signals WL<3>_a and

If the refresh signal Refresh is disabled, then the respective first tothird control signal generation circuits 500, 600, and 700 disable thefirst voltage transfer signal WL<1>_a, the third voltage transfer signalWL<2>_a, and the fifth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_a, and output thefirst to third word line enable signals WL<1>_en, WL<2>_en, and WL<3>_enas the second voltage transfer signal WL<1>_b, the fourth voltagetransfer signal WL<2>_b, and the sixth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_b,respectively.

If the refresh signal Refresh is enabled, then the respective first tothird control signal generation circuits 500, 600, and 700 generate thevoltage transfer signals WL<1>_a, WL<1>_b, WL<2>_a, WL<2>_b, WL<3>_a,and WL<3>_b which are sequentially enabled in the enable periods of theword line enable signals WL<1>_en, WL<2>_en, and WL<3>_en.

For an embodiment, the first to third control signal generation circuits500, 600, and 700 have the same configuration except that signalsinputted to and and/or from the first to third control signal generationcircuits 500, 600, and 700 are different. Therefore, a configuration ofthe first control signal generation circuit 500 is described, anddescriptions for the configurations of the second and third controlsignal generation circuits 600 and 700 are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 8, the first control signal generation circuit 500 mayinclude first and second delay circuits 501 and 502; first to third NANDgates ND1, ND2, and ND3; first to third inverters IV1, IV2, and IV3; anda multiplexer 503. The first delay circuit 501 delays the first wordline enable signal WL<1>_en and outputs a first signal A_s. The seconddelay circuit 502 delays the first signal A_s and outputs an outputsignal. The first inverter IV1 inverts the output signal of the seconddelay circuit 502 and outputs a second signal B_s. The first NAND gateND1 receives the first and second signals A_s and B_s and outputs athird signal C_s. The second NAND gate ND2 receives the third signalC_s, the first word line enable signal WL<1>_en, and the refresh signalRefresh. The second inverter IV2 receives the output signal of thesecond NAND gate ND2 and outputs the first voltage transfer signalWL<1>_a. The third NAND gate ND3 receives the first signal A_s and thefirst word line enable signal WL<1>_en. The third inverter IV3 receivesthe output signal of the third NAND gate ND3. The multiplexer 503outputs one of the output signal of the third inverter IV3 and the firstword line enable signal WL<1>_en as the second voltage transfer signalWL<1>_b in response to the refresh signal Refresh. For example, themultiplexer 503 outputs the first word line enable signal WL<1>_en asthe second voltage transfer signal WL<1>_b if the refresh signal Refreshis disabled. The multiplexer 503 outputs the output signal of the thirdinverter IV3 as the second voltage transfer signal WL<1>_b if therefresh signal Refresh is enabled.

The operation of the first control signal generation circuit 500configured as indicated above, in the case where the refresh signalRefresh is disabled, is described below.

In the case where the refresh signal Refresh is disabled, themultiplexer 503 outputs the first word line enable signal WL<1>_en asthe second voltage transfer signal WL<1>_b. In the case where therefresh signal Refresh is disabled, the first voltage transfer signalWL<1>_a is disabled regardless of the first word line enable signalWL<1>_en.

The operation of the first control signal generation circuit 500 in thecase where the refresh signal Refresh is enabled is described below withreference to the timing diagram of FIG. 8.

The first delay circuit 501 delays the first word line enable signalWL<1>_en and outputs the first signal A_s. The combination of the seconddelay circuit 502 and the first inverter IV1 inverts and delays thefirst signal A_s and outputs the second signal B_s. With the refreshsignal Refresh enabled, the first NAND gate ND1 outputs the third signalC_s of a low level in only a period in which both the first signal A_sand the second signal B_s are at high levels. With the refresh signalRefresh enabled, the combination of the second NAND gate ND2 and thesecond inverter IV2 outputs the first voltage transfer signal WL<1>_a ofa high level in only a period in which both the third signal C_s and thefirst word line enable signal WL<1>_en are at high levels. With therefresh signal Refresh enabled, the combination of the third NAND gateND3, the third inverter IV3 and the multiplexer 503 outputs the secondvoltage transfer signal WL<1>_b of a high level in a period in whichboth the first signal A_s and the first word line enable signal WL<1>_enare at the high levels.

Therefore, if the refresh signal Refresh is enabled, then the firstcontrol signal generation circuit 500 generates the first and secondvoltage transfer signals WL<1>_a and WL<1>_b which are sequentiallyenabled in the enable period of the first word line enable signalWL<1>_en. In detail, the first voltage transfer signal WL<1>_a isenabled when the first word line enable signal WL<1>_en is enabled. Thesecond voltage transfer signal WL<1>_b is enabled when the first voltagetransfer signal WL<1>_a is disabled. The first voltage transfer signalWL<1>_a is enabled again before the first word line enable signalWL<1>_en is disabled. The first and second voltage transfer signalsWL<1>_a and WL<1>_b are disabled when the first word line enable signalWL<1>_en is disabled.

For an embodiment, the second and third control signal generationcircuits 600 and 700 are configured in the same manner as the firstcontrol signal generation circuit 500. Thus, the timing diagram of thefirst to third control signal generation circuits 500, 600 and 700 inthe case where the refresh signal Refresh is enabled is illustrated asin FIG. 9.

In a refresh operation, that is, when the refresh signal Refresh isenabled, the first to third word line enable signals WL<1>_en, WL<2>_en,and WL<3>_en are sequentially enabled. For example, if the first wordline enable signal WL<1>_en is disabled, then the second word lineenable signal WL<2>_en is enabled. If the second word line enable signalWL<2>_en is disabled, then the third word line enable signal WL<3>_en isenabled.

In the enable period of the first word line enable signal WL<1>_en, thefirst and second voltage transfer signals WL<1>_a and WL<1>_b aresequentially enabled. In detail, the first voltage transfer signalWL<1>_a is enabled when the first word line enable signal WL<1>_en isenabled. The second voltage transfer signal WL<1>_b is enabled when thefirst voltage transfer signal WL<1>_a is disabled. The first voltagetransfer signal WL<1>_a is enabled again before the first word lineenable signal WL<1>_en is disabled. The first and second voltagetransfer signals WL<1>_a and WL<1>_b are disabled when the first wordline enable signal WL<1>_en is disabled.

In the enable period of the second word line enable signal WL<2>_en, thethird and fourth voltage transfer signals WL<2>_a and WL<2>_b aresequentially enabled. In detail, the third voltage transfer signalWL<2>_a is enabled when the second word line enable signal WL<2>_en isenabled. The fourth voltage transfer signal WL<2>_b is enabled when thethird voltage transfer signal WL<2>_a is disabled. The third voltagetransfer signal WL<2>_a is enabled again before the second word lineenable signal WL<2>_en is disabled. The third and fourth voltagetransfer signals WL<2>_a and WL<2>_b are disabled when the second wordline enable signal WL<2>_en is disabled.

In the enable period of the third word line enable signal WL<3>_en, thefifth and sixth voltage transfer signals WL<3>_a and WL<3>_b aresequentially enabled. In detail, the fifth voltage transfer signalWL<3>_a is enabled when the third word line enable signal WL<3>_en isenabled. The sixth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_b is enabled when thefifth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_a is disabled. The fifth voltagetransfer signal WL<3>_a is enabled again before the third word lineenable signal WL<3>_en is disabled. The fifth and sixth voltage transfersignals WL<3>_a and WL<3>_b are disabled when the third word line enablesignal WL<3>_en is disabled.

The operation of the semiconductor memory apparatus 750 in accordancewith an embodiment is described below with reference to FIGS. 7 and 9.

As shown in FIG. 9, in a refresh operation, that is, when the refreshsignal Refresh is enabled, the first to third word line enable signalsWL<1>_en, WL<2>_en, and WL<3>_en are sequentially enabled. Also, in therespective enable periods of the first to third word line enable signalsWL<1>_en, WL<2>_en, and WL<3>_en, the first to sixth voltage transfersignals WL<1>_a, WL<1>_b, WL<2>_a, WL<2>_b, WL<3>_a, and WL<3>_b aresequentially enabled.

During the enable period of the first voltage transfer signal WL<1>_a,the first word line WL<1> and the capacitor 400 are electrically coupledthrough the first switch 101. If the first word line WL<1> and thecapacitor 400 are coupled, then the charges charged in the capacitor 400are transferred to the first word line WL<1>.

If the second voltage transfer signal WL<1>_b is enabled, then the firstdriver 102 enables the first word line WL<1> by applying a drivingvoltage to the first word line WL<1>.

When the first voltage transfer signal WL<1>_a is enabled again, thefirst word line WL<1> and the capacitor 400 are coupled through thefirst switch 101. The capacitor 400 which is coupled with the enabledfirst word line WL<1> is charged.

If the first word line enable signal WL<1>_en is disabled, then thefirst and second voltage transfer signals WL<1>_a and WL<1>_b aredisabled. If the second voltage transfer signal WL<1>_b is disabled,then the first word line WL<1> is discharged and disabled. If the firstvoltage transfer signal WL<1>_a is disabled, then the first word lineWL<1> and the capacitor 400 are electrically decoupled.

If the first word line enable signal WL<1>_en is disabled, then thesecond word line enable signal WL<2>_en is enabled.

If the second word line enable signal WL<2>_en is enabled, then thethird voltage transfer signal WL<2>_a is enabled.

During a period in which the third voltage transfer signal WL<2>_a isenabled, the second word line WL<2> is electrically coupled with thecapacitor 400 through the second switch 201. The charges charged in thecapacitor 400 are transferred to the second word line WL<2>.

If the third voltage transfer signal WL<2>_a is disabled, then thesecond word line WL<2> and the capacitor 400 are electrically decoupled.If the third voltage transfer signal WL<2>_a is disabled, then thefourth voltage transfer signal WL<2>_b is enabled.

If the fourth voltage transfer signal WL<2>_b is enabled, then thesecond word line WL<2> is applied with a driving voltage through thesecond driver 202 and is enabled.

The third voltage transfer signal WL<2>_a is enabled again before thesecond word line enable signal WL<2>_en is disabled.

When the third voltage transfer signal WL<2>_a is enabled again, thesecond word line WL<2> and the capacitor 400 are electrically coupledthrough the second switch 201. If the second word line WL<2> and thecapacitor 400 are coupled, then charges having enabled the second wordline WL<2> are transferred to the capacitor 400, and thereby, thecapacitor 400 is charged.

If the second word line enable signal WL<2>_en is disabled, then thethird and fourth voltage transfer signals WL<2>_a and WL<2>_b aredisabled.

If the fourth voltage transfer signal WL<2>_b is disabled, then thesecond word line WL<2> is disabled. If the third voltage transfer signalWL<2>_a is disabled, then the second word line WL<2> and the capacitor400 are electrically decoupled.

If the second word line enable signal WL<2>_en is disabled, then thethird word line enable signal WL<3>_en is enabled.

If the third word line enable signal WL<3>_en is enabled, then the fifthvoltage transfer signal WL<3>_a is enabled. During a period in which thefifth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_a is enabled, the third word lineWL<3> and the capacitor 400 are coupled through the third switch 301. Ifthe third word line WL<3> and the capacitor 400 are coupled, then thecharges charged in the capacitor 400 are transferred to the third wordline WL<3>.

If the fifth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_a is disabled, then the sixthvoltage transfer signal WL<3>_b is enabled.

If the sixth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_b is enabled, then a drivingvoltage is applied to the third word line WL<3> through the third driver302, and the third word line WL<3> applied with the driving voltage isenabled.

The fifth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_a is enabled again before thethird word line enable signal WL<3>_en is disabled.

When the fifth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_a is enabled again, thethird word line WL<3> and the capacitor 400 are coupled through thethird switch 301. As charges having enabled the third word line WL<3>are transferred to the capacitor 400, the capacitor 400 is charged.

If the third word line enable signal WL<3>_en is disabled, then thefifth and sixth voltage transfer signals WL<3>_a and WL<3>_b aredisabled. If the sixth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_b is disabled, thenthe third word line WL<3> is discharged and disabled. If the fifthvoltage transfer signal WL<3>_a is disabled, then the third word lineWL<3> and the capacitor 400 are electrically decoupled.

In this way, in the semiconductor memory apparatus 750 in accordancewith an embodiment, in a refresh operation in which word lines aresequentially enabled, charges enabling a word line are transferred to acapacitor and charge the capacitor before the enabled word line isdisabled. Also, as the charges of the capacitor are transferred to aword line to be enabled, current or power otherwise consumed when theword line is enabled may be reduced.

As shown in FIG. 10, a semiconductor memory apparatus 1050 in accordancewith another embodiment may include first to third word line controlcircuits 100, 200, and 300; first to third capacitors 400, 500, and 600;and first to third control signal generation circuits 700, 800, and 900.

The semiconductor memory apparatus 1050 may include a plurality ofmemory cells which are coupled to a plurality of bit lines and aplurality of word lines. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, memory cellsCELL are disposed and coupled where first to third bit lines BL<1:3>intersect with first to third word lines WL<1:3>. For an embodiment,each memory cell CELL may include one transistor and one capacitor.

The first word line control circuit 100 may electrically couple ordecouple the first capacitor 400 and the first word line WL<1> inresponse to a first voltage transfer signal WL<1>_a. The first word linecontrol circuit 100 may enable the first word line WL<1> by applying adriving voltage to the first word line WL<1> and may disable the firstword line WL<1> by discharging the first word line WL<1>, depending on asecond voltage transfer signal WL<1>_b.

The first capacitor 400 may be coupled with the first word line controlcircuit 100. The first capacitor 400 has one end to which the first wordline control circuit 100 is coupled and the other end to which a groundterminal is coupled.

The first word line control circuit 100 may include a first switch 101and a first driver 102.

The first switch 101 may electrically couple or decouple the first wordline WL<1> and the first capacitor 400 in response to the first voltagetransfer signal WL<1>_a. For example, the first switch 101 electricallycouples the first word line WL<1> and the first capacitor 400 when thefirst voltage transfer signal WL<1>_a is enabled. The first switch 101electrically decouples the first word line WL<1> and the first capacitor400 when the first voltage transfer signal WL<1>_a is disabled.

The first driver 102 may enable or disable the first word line WL<1> inresponse to the second voltage transfer signal WL<1>_b. For example, thefirst driver 102 may enable the first word line WL<1> by applying adriving voltage to the first word line WL<1> when the second voltagetransfer signal WL<1>_b is enabled. The first driver 102 may disable thefirst word line WL<1> by coupling the first word line WL<1> and a groundterminal when the second voltage transfer signal WL<1>_b is disabled.

The second word line control circuit 200 may electrically couple ordecouple the second capacitor 500 and the second word line WL<2> inresponse to a third voltage transfer signal WL<2>_a. The second wordline control circuit 200 may enable the second word line WL<2> byapplying a driving voltage to the second word line WL<2> and may disablethe second word line WL<2> by discharging the second word line WL<2>,depending on a fourth voltage transfer signal WL<2>_b.

The second word line control circuit 200 may include a second switch 201and a second driver 202. The second switch 201 may electrically coupleor decouple the second capacitor 500 with or from the second word lineWL<2> in response to the third voltage transfer signal WL<2>_a. Forexample, the second switch 201 electrically couples the second word lineWL<2> and the second capacitor 500 when the third voltage transfersignal WL<2>_a is enabled. The second switch 201 electrically decouplesthe second word line WL<2> and the second capacitor 500 when the thirdvoltage transfer signal WL<2>_a is disabled.

The second driver 202 may enable or disable the second word line WL<2>in response to the fourth voltage transfer signal WL<2>_b. For example,the second driver 202 may enable the second word line WL<2> by applyinga driving voltage to the second word line WL<2> when the fourth voltagetransfer signal WL<2>_b is enabled. The second driver 202 may disablethe second word line WL<2> by coupling the second word line WL<2> and aground terminal when the fourth voltage transfer signal WL<2>_b isdisabled.

The third word line control circuit 300 may electrically couple ordecouple the third capacitor 600 and the third word line WL<3> inresponse to a fifth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_a. The third word linecontrol circuit 300 may enable the third word line WL<3> by applying adriving voltage to the third word line WL<3> and may disable the thirdword line WL<3> by discharging the third word line WL<3>, depending on asixth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_b.

The third word line control circuit 300 may include a third switch 301and a third driver 302. The third switch 301 may electrically couple ordecouple the third capacitor 600 with or from the third word line WL<3>in response to the fifth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_a. For example,the third switch 301 electrically couples the third word line WL<3> andthe third capacitor 600 when the fifth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_ais enabled. The third switch 301 electrically decouples the third wordline WL<3> and the third capacitor 600 when the fifth voltage transfersignal WL<3>_a is disabled.

The third driver 302 may enable or disable the third word line WL<3> inresponse to the sixth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_b. For example, thethird driver 302 may enable the third word line WL<3> by applying adriving voltage to the third word line WL<3> when the sixth voltagetransfer signal WL<3>_b is enabled. The third driver 302 may disable thethird word line WL<3> by coupling the third word line WL<3> and a groundterminal when the sixth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_b is disabled.

The first control signal generation circuit 700 may generate the firstand second voltage transfer signals WL<1>_a and WL<1>_b in response to afirst word line enable signal WL<1>_en and a refresh signal Refresh. Forexample, when the refresh signal Refresh is disabled, the first controlsignal generation circuit 700 disables the first voltage transfer signalWL<1>_a regardless of the first word line enable signal WL<1>_en andoutputs the first word line enable signal WL<1>_en as the second voltagetransfer signal WL<1>_b. When the refresh signal Refresh and the firstword line enable signal WL<1>_en are enabled, the first control signalgeneration circuit 700 enables the first voltage transfer signalWL<1>_a, enables the second voltage transfer signal WL<1>_b when thefirst voltage transfer signal WL<1>_a is disabled, and enables again thefirst voltage transfer signal WL<1>_a before the first word line enablesignal WL<1>_en is disabled. In the case where the refresh signalRefresh is enabled, if the first word line enable signal WL<1>_en isdisabled, the first control signal generation circuit 700 disables thefirst and second voltage transfer signals WL<1>_a and WL<1>_b.

The second control signal generation circuit 800 may generate the thirdand fourth voltage transfer signals WL<2>_a and WL<2>_b in response to asecond word line enable signal WL<2>_en and the refresh signal Refresh.For example, when the refresh signal Refresh is disabled, the secondcontrol signal generation circuit 800 disables the third voltagetransfer signal WL<2>_a regardless of the second word line enable signalWL<2>_en and outputs the second word line enable signal WL<2>_en as thefourth voltage transfer signal WL<2>_b. If the refresh signal Refresh isenabled, then the second control signal generation circuit 800 generatesthe third and fourth voltage transfer signals WL<2>_a and WL<2>_b inresponse to the second word line enable signal WL<2>_en. For example,when the second word line enable signal WL<2>_en is enabled, the secondcontrol signal generation circuit 800 enables the third voltage transfersignal WL<2>_a, enables the fourth voltage transfer signal WL<2>_b whenthe third voltage transfer signal WL<2>_a is disabled, and enables againthe third voltage transfer signal WL<2>_a before the second word lineenable signal WL<2>_en is disabled. In the case where the refresh signalRefresh is enabled, if the second word line enable signal WL<2>_en isdisabled, the second control signal generation circuit 800 disables thethird and fourth voltage transfer signals WL<2>_a and WL<2>_b.

The third control signal generation circuit 900 may generate the fifthand sixth voltage transfer signals WL<3>_a and WL<3>_b in response to athird word line enable signal WL<3>_en and the refresh signal Refresh.For example, when the refresh signal Refresh is disabled, the thirdcontrol signal generation circuit 900 disables the fifth voltagetransfer signal WL<3>_a regardless of the third word line enable signalWL<3>_en and outputs the third word line enable signal WL<3>_en as thesixth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_b. If the refresh signal Refresh isenabled, then the third control signal generation circuit 900 generatesthe fifth and sixth voltage transfer signals WL<3>_a and WL<3>_b inresponse to the third word line enable signal WL<3>_en. For example,when the third word line enable signal WL<3>_en is enabled, the thirdcontrol signal generation circuit 900 enables the fifth voltage transfersignal WL<3>_a, enables the sixth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_b whenthe fifth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_a is disabled, and enables againthe fifth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_a before the third word lineenable signal WL<3>_en is disabled. In the case where the refresh signalRefresh is enabled, if the third word line enable signal WL<3>_en isdisabled, the third control signal generation circuit 900 disables thefifth and sixth voltage transfer signals WL<3>_a and WL<3>_b.

If the refresh signal Refresh is disabled, then the respective first tothird control signal generation circuits 700, 800, and 900 disable thefirst voltage transfer signal WL<1>_a, the third voltage transfer signalWL<2>_a and the fifth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_a, and output thefirst to third word line enable signals WL<1>_en, WL<2>_en, and WL<3>_enas the second voltage transfer signal WL<1>_b, the fourth voltagetransfer signal WL<2>_b and the sixth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_b,respectively.

If the refresh signal Refresh is enabled, then the respective first tothird control signal generation circuits 700, 800, and 900 generate thevoltage transfer signals WL<1>_a, WL<1>_b, WL<2>_a, WL<2>_b, WL<3>_a,and WL<3>_b which are sequentially enabled in the enable periods of theword line enable signals WL<1>_en, WL<2>_en, and WL<3>_en.

For an embodiment, the first to third control signal generation circuits700, 800, and 900 have the same configuration except that signalsinputted thereto and outputted therefrom are different. Therefore, aconfiguration of the first control signal generation circuit 700 isdescribed, and descriptions for the configurations of the remainingcontrol signal generation circuits 800 and 900 are omitted.

For an embodiment, the first control signal generation circuit 700 shownin FIG. 10 is configured in the same manner as the first control signalgeneration circuit 500 shown in FIG. 7. Therefore, the first controlsignal generation circuit 700 shown in FIG. 10 may be configured asshown in FIG. 8.

The first control signal generation circuit 700 may include first andsecond delay circuits 501 and 502; first to third NAND gates ND1, ND2,and ND3; first to third inverters IV1, IV2, and IV3; and a multiplexer503. The first delay circuit 501 delays the first word line enablesignal WL<1>_en and outputs a first signal A_s. The second delay circuit502 delays the first signal A_s and outputs an output signal. The firstinverter IV1 inverts the output signal of the second delay circuit 502and outputs a second signal B_s. The first NAND gate ND1 receives thefirst and second signals A_s and B_s and outputs a third signal C_s. Thesecond NAND gate ND2 receives the third signal C_s, the first word lineenable signal WL<1>_en, and the refresh signal Refresh. The secondinverter IV2 receives the output signal of the second NAND gate ND2, andoutputs the first voltage transfer signal WL<1>_a. The third NAND gateND3 receives the first signal A_s and the first word line enable signalWL<1>_en. The third inverter IV3 receives the output signal of the thirdNAND gate ND3. The multiplexer 503 outputs one of the output signal ofthe third inverter IV3 and the first word line enable signal WL<1>_en asthe second voltage transfer signal WL<1>_b in response to the refreshsignal Refresh. For example, the multiplexer 503 outputs the first wordline enable signal WL<1>_en as the second voltage transfer signalWL<1>_b if the refresh signal Refresh is disabled. The multiplexeroutputs the output signal of the third inverter IV3 as the secondvoltage transfer signal WL<1>_b if the refresh signal Refresh isenabled.

The operation of the first control signal generation circuit 700configured as indicated above, in the case where the refresh signalRefresh is disabled, is described below.

In the case where the refresh signal Refresh is disabled, themultiplexer 503 outputs the first word line enable signal WL<1>_en asthe second voltage transfer signal WL<1>_b. In the case where therefresh signal Refresh is disabled, the first voltage transfer signalWL<1>_a is disabled regardless of the first word line enable signalWL<1>_en.

The operation of the first control signal generation circuit 700 in thecase where the refresh signal Refresh is enabled is described below withreference to the timing diagram of FIG. 8.

The first delay circuit 501 delays the first word line enable signalWL<1>_en and outputs the first signal A_s. The combination of the seconddelay circuit 502 and the first inverter IV1 inverts and delays thefirst signal A_s and outputs the second signal B_s. With the refreshsignal Refresh enabled, the first NAND gate ND1 outputs the third signalC_s of a low level in only a period in which both the first signal A_sand the second signal B_s are at high levels. With the refresh signalRefresh enabled, the combination of the second NAND gate ND2 and thesecond inverter IV2 outputs the first voltage transfer signal WL<1>_a ofa high level in only a period in which both the third signal C_s and thefirst word line enable signal WL<1>_en are at high levels. With therefresh signal Refresh enabled, the combination of the third NAND gateND3, the third inverter IV3 and the multiplexer 503 outputs the secondvoltage transfer signal WL<1>_b of a high level in a period in whichboth the first signal A_s and the first word line enable signal WL<1>_enare at the high levels.

Therefore, if the refresh signal Refresh is enabled, then the firstcontrol signal generation circuit 700 generates the first and secondvoltage transfer signals WL<1>_a and WL<1>_b which are sequentiallyenabled in the enable period of the first word line enable signalWL<1>_en. In detail, the first voltage transfer signal WL<1>_a isenabled when the first word line enable signal WL<1>_en is enabled. Thesecond voltage transfer signal WL<1>_b is enabled when the first voltagetransfer signal WL<1>_a is disabled. The first voltage transfer signalWL<1>_a is enabled again before the first word line enable signalWL<1>_en is disabled. The first and second voltage transfer signalsWL<1>_a and WL<1>_b are disabled when the first word line enable signalWL<1>_en is disabled.

For an embodiment, the second and third control signal generationcircuits 800 and 900 are configured in the same manner as the firstcontrol signal generation circuit 700. Thus, the timing diagram of thefirst to third control signal generation circuits 700, 800 and 900 inthe case where the refresh signal Refresh is enabled is illustrated asin FIG. 9.

In a refresh operation, that is, when the refresh signal Refresh isenabled, the first to third word line enable signals WL<1>_en, WL<2>_en,and WL<3>_en are sequentially enabled. For example, if the first wordline enable signal WL<1>_en is disabled, then the second word lineenable signal WL<2>_en is enabled. If the second word line enable signalWL<2>_en is disabled, then the third word line enable signal WL<3>_en isenabled.

In the enable period of the first word line enable signal WL<1>_en, thefirst and second voltage transfer signals WL<1>_a and WL<1>_b aresequentially enabled. In detail, the first voltage transfer signalWL<1>_a is enabled when the first word line enable signal WL<1>_en isenabled. The second voltage transfer signal WL<1>_b is enabled when thefirst voltage transfer signal WL<1>_a is disabled. The first voltagetransfer signal WL<1>_a is enabled again before the first word lineenable signal WL<1>_en is disabled. The first and second voltagetransfer signals WL<1>_a and WL<1>_b are disabled when the first wordline enable signal WL<1>_en is disabled.

In the enable period of the second word line enable signal WL<2>_en, thethird and fourth voltage transfer signals WL<2>_a and WL<2>_b aresequentially enabled. In detail, the third voltage transfer signalWL<2>_a is enabled when the second word line enable signal WL<2>_en isenabled. The fourth voltage transfer signal WL<2>_b is enabled when thethird voltage transfer signal WL<2>_a is disabled. The third voltagetransfer signal WL<2>_a is enabled again before the second word lineenable signal WL<2>_en is disabled. The third and fourth voltagetransfer signals WL<2>_a and WL<2>_b are disabled when the second wordline enable signal WL<2>en is disabled.

In the enable period of the third word line enable signal WL<3>_en, thefifth and sixth voltage transfer signals WL<3>_a and WL<3>_b aresequentially enabled. In detail, the fifth voltage transfer signalWL<3>_a is enabled when the third word line enable signal WL<3>_en isenabled. The sixth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_b is enabled when thefifth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_a is disabled. The fifth voltagetransfer signal WL<3>_a is enabled again before the third word lineenable signal WL<3>_en is disabled. The fifth and sixth voltage transfersignals WL<3>_a and WL<3>_b are disabled when the third word line enablesignal WL<3>_en is disabled.

The operation of the semiconductor memory apparatus 1050 in accordancewith an embodiment is described below with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

As shown in FIG. 9, in a refresh operation, that is, when the refreshsignal Refresh is enabled, the first to third word line enable signalsWL<1>_en, WL<2>_en, and WL<3>_en are sequentially enabled. Also, in therespective enable periods of the first to third word line enable signalsWL<1>_en, WL<2>_en, and WL<3>_en, the first to sixth voltage transfersignals WL<1>_a, WL<1>_b, WL<2>_a, WL<2>_b, WL<3>_a, and WL<3>_b aresequentially enabled.

During the enable period of the first voltage transfer signal WL<1>_a,the first word line WL<1> and the first capacitor 400 are electricallycoupled through the first switch 101. If the first word line WL<1> andthe first capacitor 400 are coupled, then the charges charged in thefirst capacitor 400 are transferred to the first word line WL<1>.

If the second voltage transfer signal WL<1>_b is enabled, then the firstdriver 102 enables the first word line WL<1> by applying a drivingvoltage to the first word line WL<1>.

When the first voltage transfer signal WL<1>_a is enabled again, thefirst word line WL<1> and the first capacitor 400 are coupled throughthe first switch 101. The first capacitor 400 which is coupled with theenabled first word line WL<1> is charged.

If the first word line enable signal WL<1>_en is disabled, then thefirst and second voltage transfer signals WL<1>_a and WL<1>_b aredisabled. If the second voltage transfer signal WL<1>_b is disabled,then the first word line WL<1> is discharged and disabled. If the firstvoltage transfer signal WL<1>_a is disabled, then the first word lineWL<1> and the first capacitor 400 are electrically decoupled.

If the first word line enable signal WL<1>_en is disabled, then thesecond word line enable signal WL<2>_en is enabled.

If the second word line enable signal WL<2>_en is enabled, then thethird voltage transfer signal WL<2>_a is enabled.

During a period in which the third voltage transfer signal WL<2>_a isenabled, the second word line WL<2> is electrically coupled with thesecond capacitor 500 through the second switch 201. The charges chargedin the second capacitor 500 are transferred to the second word lineWL<2>.

If the third voltage transfer signal WL<2>_a is disabled, then thesecond word line WL<2> and the second capacitor 500 are electricallydecoupled. If the third voltage transfer signal WL<2>_a is disabled,then the fourth voltage transfer signal WL<2>_b is enabled.

If the fourth voltage transfer signal WL<2>_b is enabled, then thesecond word line WL<2> is applied with a driving voltage through thesecond driver 202 and is enabled.

The third voltage transfer signal WL<2>_a is enabled again before thesecond word line enable signal WL<2>_en is disabled.

When the third voltage transfer signal WL<2>_a is enabled again, thesecond word line WL<2> and the second capacitor 500 are electricallycoupled through the second switch 201. If the second word line WL<2> andthe second capacitor 500 are coupled, then charges having enabled thesecond word line WL<2> are transferred to the second capacitor 500, andthereby, the second capacitor 500 is charged.

If the second word line enable signal WL<2>_en is disabled, then thethird and fourth voltage transfer signals WL<2>_a and WL<2>_b aredisabled.

If the fourth voltage transfer signal WL<2>_b is disabled, then thesecond word line WL<2> is disabled. If the third voltage transfer signalWL<2>_a is disabled, then the second word line WL<2> and the secondcapacitor 500 are electrically decoupled.

If the second word line enable signal WL<2>_en is disabled, then thethird word line enable signal WL<3>_en is enabled.

If the third word line enable signal WL<3>_en is enabled, then the fifthvoltage transfer signal WL<3>_a is enabled. During a period in which thefifth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_a is enabled, the third word lineWL<3> and the third capacitor 600 are coupled through the third switch301. If the third word line WL<3> and the third capacitor 600 arecoupled, then the charges charged in the third capacitor 600 aretransferred to the third word line WL<3>.

If the fifth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_a is disabled, then the sixthvoltage transfer signal WL<3>_b is enabled.

If the sixth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_b is enabled, then a drivingvoltage is applied to the third word line WL<3> through the third driver302, and the third word line WL<3> applied with the driving voltage isenabled.

The fifth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_a is enabled again before thethird word line enable signal WL<3>_en is disabled.

When the fifth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_a is enabled again, thethird word line WL<3> and the third capacitor 600 are coupled throughthe third switch 301. As charges having enabled the third word lineWL<3> are transferred to the third capacitor 600, the third capacitor600 is charged.

If the third word line enable signal WL<3>_en is disabled, then thefifth and sixth voltage transfer signals WL<3>_a and WL<3>_b aredisabled. If the sixth voltage transfer signal WL<3>_b is disabled, thenthe third word line WL<3> is discharged and disabled. If the fifthvoltage transfer signal WL<3>_a is disabled, then the third word lineWL<3> and the third capacitor 600 are electrically decoupled.

In this way, in the semiconductor memory apparatus 1050 in accordance anembodiment, in a refresh operation in which word lines are sequentiallyenabled, charges enabling a word line are transferred to a capacitor andcharge the capacitor before the enabled word line is disabled. Also, asthe charges of the capacitor are transferred to a word line to beenabled, current or power otherwise consumed when the word line isenabled may be reduced.

While various embodiments have been described above, it will beunderstood to those skilled in the art that the described embodimentsrepresent only a limited number of possible embodiments. Therefore, asemiconductor memory apparatus in accordance with the present teachingsshould not be limited based on the described embodiments.

What is claimed is:
 1. A semiconductor memory apparatus comprising: afirst driver configured to enable or disable a first word line inresponse to a first word line enable signal; a first switch configuredto couple and decouple the first word line and a second word line inresponse to a first voltage transfer signal; and a first control signalgeneration circuit configured to generate the first voltage transfersignal in response to a refresh signal and the first word line enablesignal, wherein the second word line is enabled after the first wordline is enabled when the refresh signal is enabled, and wherein, whenthe refresh signal is enabled, the first control signal generationcircuit enables the first voltage transfer signal before the first wordline enable signal is disabled and disables the first voltage transfersignal when the first word line enable signal is disabled.
 2. Thesemiconductor memory apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:a second driver configured to enable or disable the second word line inresponse to a second word line enable signal; a second switch configuredto couple and decouple the second word line and a third word line inresponse to a second voltage transfer signal; and a second controlsignal generation circuit configured to generate the second voltagetransfer signal in response to the refresh signal and the second wordline enable signal.
 3. The semiconductor memory apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the first switch couples the first word line and thesecond word line when the first voltage transfer signal is enabled, andwherein the first switch decouples the first word line and the secondword line when the first voltage transfer signal is disabled.
 4. Thesemiconductor memory apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the firstcontrol signal generation circuit disables the first voltage transfersignal regardless of the first word line enable signal when the refreshsignal is disabled, and wherein the first control signal generationcircuit enables the first voltage transfer signal in response to thefirst word line enable signal when the refresh signal is enabled.
 5. Amethod performed by a semiconductor memory apparatus for performing arefresh operation, the method comprising: electrically coupling a firstword line of the semiconductor memory apparatus to a second word line ofthe semiconductor memory apparatus; transferring charge from the firstword line to the second word line; and activating the second word lineafter transferring the charge to the second word line.
 6. Asemiconductor memory apparatus comprising a word line control circuitconfigured to: electrically couple a second word line of thesemiconductor memory apparatus to a first word line of the semiconductormemory apparatus; transfer charge from the first word line to the secondword line; and activate the second word line after the transfer ofcharge to the second word line.